Currently being dominated by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, the mid-size coupe segment is a tough territory not many automakers want to be in. Infiniti, having tasted success in the past with the likeable G-series coupes, decided to continue putting the pressure on their Teutonic rivals with the gorgeous new Q60.
Having made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Q60 is Infiniti’s answer to the C-Class Coupe, 4 Series, A5 and of course, the Lexus RC. On top of the range, the sports coupe is available with the new 3.0T V6 engine, four-wheel drive and Dynamic Digital Suspension, while the version that we recently had the pleasure to sample is an entry-level offering equipped with a 2.0-litre engine, rear-wheel drive and passive suspension.
Regardless of the size of the engine that sits in its bay, the Q60 comes with a stunning overall design that is guaranteed to turn heads – a must when you’re up against very desirable competitors. Starting from the front, the Q60 looks like it is ready to pounce at any given time with its sharp human-eye LED headlights and double arch grille.
The Q60’s athleticism is even more pronounced when it is viewed from the side, where an aggressive line, unique crescent-cut C-pillar and 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/40 run-flat tyres combine harmoniously, creating a strong side profile.
The rear section reminds us of one of its closest competitors, though the Q60 seems to have a more intricate design. Apart from the stylish tail lamps and sporty twin-tailpipe layout, one thing that stands out the most is the ducktail spoiler, which Infiniti says is a combination of resin skin on a steel frame that gives designers more freedom to create shapes that can be built in a single part.
The interior of the Q60 takes a less dramatic approach with the same arrangement seen on the Q50. That said, the coupe does get a few extra bits such as spinal support seats designed to match the curvature of the spine, and a 13-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system that has been tailored to the acoustics of the cabin.
The number of switches and buttons are reduced thanks to Infiniti’s dual display system which comprises an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touch screens. Meanwhile, desired drive modes – Standard, Sport, Snow and Personal – can be selected via the Drive Mode Selector placed on the center console.
Like its four-door sibling, the Q60 gets 211 hp at 5,500 rpm and and 350 Nm of torque from 1,250 to 3,500 rpm from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. A seven-speed automatic transmission is tasked to channel the output to the rear axle, enabling the sports coupe to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and to reach a top speed of 235 km/h.
Taking the Q60 on the PLUS highway en route to Penang, the engine proves that there is more than enough juice to propel the 1,719-kg coupe, though the gearbox seems a tad unhurried at times. Flick it into Sport mode, the drivetrain feels more alive and the driving experience is taken to a greater height thanks to the Active Sound Enhancement, which channels the sound from the engine into the cabin through the speakers.
For a more relaxed driving, the Q60 is capable of keeping the engine and road noises from seeping into cabin with its Active Noise Cancellation and acoustic windshield. Things do get pretty quiet when the car is cruising at reasonable speeds, something we feel many owners will definitely appreciate.
The electro-hydraulic power steering is not the sharpest steering we’ve ever come across, but it does its job pretty well, giving enough feedback and weight whenever it is required. For what it lacks in steering response, the Q60 makes up with Active Trace Control, which essentially applies braking automatically to each wheel, helping to keep the vehicle on the cornering line. The system can engage at any point in the corner if it determines that the vehicle is departing from steered path.
All in all, the Q60 represents somewhat a different take on sport coupes, which is something you will want to consider if you are in such a niche market. If attention-grabbing looks is your priority, this is what you want to get. If comfortable, forgiving ride sounds more enticing than hard-hitting performance, this is what you want to get. And with a price tag of RM308,800, which includes a 7-year, unlimited mileage warranty, the Q60 can put up a good fight against its more established rivals.
Infiniti Q60 2.0T Specifications
Engine: inline four, turbocharged
Capacity: 1,991 cc
Power: 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,250 – 3,500 rpm
Transmissiom: 7-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 235 km/h
Price: RM308,800
